Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Crazy about Dae Jang Geum (大长今)

Finally I finished watching Dae Jang Geum. Last 2 weeks, I had spent most of my time watching the 70 episodes Korean drama series (54 episodes for original Korea's 60 minutes version).

Dae Jang Geum, also translated as Jewel in the Palace, or 大长今 in Chinese. The drama background was set on the period of Chosun (or Joseon) Dynasty (朝鮮王朝) in Korea, and spanned across briefly during the reign of King Seongjong (成宗 李娎), King Yeonsangun (燕山君 李隆), mostly during the reign King Jungjong / Chungjong (中宗 李懌) and ended during the reign of King Myungjong (明宗 李峘), about around 1490 - 1552.

The drama depicts the historical story of Dae Jang Geum, the first female royal physician in Joseon Dynasty, which portrays the her determined struggle, her sacrifice and her wisdom to rise thru the rank at the time where female has no place in society to become the first female doctor to the King.

Did I like this drama? Ya, for sure. Why? Not sure. I believed this drama is also a typical Korean drama series success formulas. An interesting story line, a tearful and 'all the bad things hit them' characters, beautiful sceneries, a little humors, and of course, very nice sound tracks. Nevertheless, this drama inspires about determination and courage, and provides insight into ancient Korean culture, medicine and cuisine, and nonetheless, peasant life.